Electrical switching device



Nov. 11,' 1941. H. A. DOUGLAS ELECTRICAL swITCHINC DEVICE FiledfApri'l 5, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet l .HQ-3 Anual 46 42% E( L4M ATTQQNLTS Nov. l1, 1941.

H. A. DOUGLAS ELECTRICAL SWITQHING DEVICE Filed April 5, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Hurts A. Douglas lNvLNTo B Patented Nov. 11, 17941 ELECTRICAL SWITCHING DEVICE.

Harry A. Douglas, Bronson, I VIich., assignor to Kingston Products Corporation, a corporation of Indiana Application April 5, 1937, Serial No. 135,029

14 Claims.

My invention relates to electrical Switching devices, more particularly to switching devices adapted for use with automotive vehicles, and the principal object of my invention is toprovide new and improved electrical switching devices of this character.

In the drawings accompanying this specification and forming a part of this application, I have shown, for purposes of illustration, one form which my invention may assume, and in these drawings: y

Figure l is a central longitudinal sectional View through an embodiment of` the invention, parts being shown in elevation and parts being broken away,

Figure 2 is a top plan View o1" the embodiment shown in Figure 1,

Figure '3 is a sectional view corresponding generally to the line 3 3 of Figure l,

Figure 4 is a sectional view corresponding generally to the line 4 4 of Figure l,

Figure 5 is a sectional view corresponding generally to the line 5 5 `of Figure l, parts being omitted,

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View corresponding generally to the line 6 6 of Figure 5,

Figure 7 is a fragmentary disassembled perspective view illustrating the manner of assembly of certain parts,

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view showing the switching elements in one position,

Figures 9 and l0 are views similar to Figure 8, but showing the switching elements in different positions, and

Figure il is a disassembled perspective view of parts of the electric lamp construction shown in Figures l and 2.

The embodiment of my invention shown in the drawingscomprises a generally disc-shaped contact carrier or base I5 formed of insulating material. The contact carrier I5 is provided with a central aperture Iand a plurality of off-center apertures Il spaced about the central aperture I6. Each of the apertures Iii and II is countersunk by a well portion I8, and reciprocably mounted in each of the apertures is a contact member I9, which may be formed similar to the construction shown in my co-pending application, Serial Number 51,069. Each of the contact members I9 comprises a tubular body 20, having a loop at one end providing an aperture 2I for receiving a plug conductor terminal of the snap type, designated generally by the numeral 22. The other end of the body 20 is closed by aterminal part 23, preferably having a generally domeshaped engaging portion. The body of each of the contact members I9 is preferably polygonal in cross-section, and the apertures I6 and I'I are correspondingly shaped. A spring 24 is interposed between an abutment formed by the terminal part 23 and the bottom of the Well I8, so as to urge the respective contact member I9 upwardly, as viewed in Figure 1.

The contact carrier I5 is provided with a peripheral rabbet 25, which forms a seat for a part of a bracket member 26, this part being apertured as shown at 2l so as to closely iit the reduced portion of the Contact carrier I5. A generally cup-shaped casing 28 is positioned to enclose one `side ofthe Contact carrier I 5, the peripheral margin defining the open side of the casing 28'closely fitting the reduced portion formed by the rabbet 25, and this margin bears against the adjacent surface of theibracket 25. The peripheral margin of the contact carrier l5 is provided with spaced-apart notches 29, and the recess 21 in the bracket26 is provided with corresponding notches 30, each pair of notches 29 and30rprovid ing means for the passage of ariinger 3l formed on the casing 28, this nger passing through the notches 29 and 30 and having its extremity bent to overlie the outersurface of the contact carrier I5, so as to hold the casing 28, the contact carrier I 5, and the bracket member ZE'in assembled relation. The casing 28 is provided with a central aperture 32 in its closure wall, and the peripheral wall of the casing y28 is provided with dia1net- `rically opposed cut-out `portions 33.

Bridge means are provided to cooperate with the contact members I9 carried by the contact carrier I5, these bridge means comprising a generally disc-shaped bridge carrier 34 formed of insulating material. The carrier 34 has a central stud 35, suitably provided with a bearing 35 fitting within the central aperture 32, so that the carrier 34 is journalled for rotation with respect to the contact carrier I5, and the carrier 34 has also an off-center stud 3l, provided with a suitable bearing 38. The bridge carrier 34 has a surface disposed in juxtaposition with respect to the terminalparts 23 of the contact members I9, and this surface is recessed to receive a bridge '39, which in this instance comprises three radially extending portions 40, 4I, and 42 leading from a central portion 43, the portion 42 being wider than the portions lill, 4 I, as best shown in Figures 5 and 8 through l0. The recess in the bridge carrier 34 is proportioned to closely receive the bridge 39, so that thebuter surface oi the bridge and the adjacent surface of the bridge carrier 34 are in nush relation. The extremities of the radial portions 40, 4|, and 42 may be provided with ears having their extremities bent over the opposite surface of the contact carrier 34, as suggested in Figure 5 at 44. The radial portions 4| and 42, of the bridge 39, are respectively provided with depressions 45 and 46.

Means are provided for causing rotation of the bridge carrier 34 relative to the contact carrier I5, and these means comprise a plate-like member 41, having an angularly disposed extremity 48 provided with an aperture 49. The plate member 41 is formed with an elongatedaperture 50, of a width to slidably engage opposite surfaces of the bearing 36, and of a length so that its end margins will abut the bearing 36 to limit movement of the plate 41. The plate 41 is provided with an offset part 5|, recessed as shown at'52 to accommodate the bearing 38 surrounding the off-center stud 31, and, as clearly shown in Figures 1 and 3, the plate 41 is mounted for reciprocation through the diametrically opposed notches 33 in the casing 28. Referring to Figure 3, it will be obvious that movement of the plate 41 in a direction to the left will cause rotation of the bridge carrier 34 in a counterclockwise direction.

Th bracket 26 is forwardly extended, referring to Figures 1 and 2, as shown at 53, and this for- Ward extension is provided with an angular part 54, which is formed with a non-circular aperture 55, for the reception of a threaded portion 56 of a fastening bolt 51. The threads of the portion 56 may be ground away to make a at portion preferably at diametrically opposed points, so that the threaded portion 56 will non-rotatably Iit within the aperture 55. The portion 56 also passes through a non-circular aperture 58 in a mounting 59, which mounting may be the instrument board of an automotive vehicle. The bolt 51 is headed at one end as shown at 68, and the opposite threaded portion 56 receives a nut 6|, which, when drawn up against the adjacent surface of the mounting 59, clamps the mounting 59 and the angular part 54 between the nut 6| and the head 60 of the bolt 51.

The bolt 51 is provided with an aperature 62, through which is slidable a tubular actuator 63, the actuator also passing through the aperture 49 in the angular part 48 of the plate 41, and at this latter place is provided with abutments 64 on opposite sides of the angular part 48, which abutments may bein the form of rolled ribs. The actuator 63 is also provided with a single abutment 65, fitting in a recessed portion 66 of an aperture 61 formed in an operating knob 68. The aperture 61 closely receives the adjacent part of the actuator 63, and the extremity of the actuator 63 is bent, as shown at 69, to overlie a shoulder 18 formed by an outwardly tapering recess 1|, this recess being closed by a transparent disc 12, which may be sprung into or otherwise secured in a seat 13.

The opposite extremity 14 of the actuator 63 is telescopically received within a tubular portion 15 of an electric lamp construction 16. The tubular portion 15 gradually emerges with a hood 11, the hood having an enlarged cylindrical portion 18 and a peripheral flange 19. Socket means 80 are provided for supporting an electric lamp 8|, the base 82 of the electric lamp 8| having bayonet joint connection with a tubular body 83 of the socket means 80. One end of the tubular body 83 is closed by a contact lcarrier 84, this latter carrier reciprocably mounting a contact 85, and a spring 86 is interposed between the carrier 84 and the head of the contact 85, so as to normally urge the contact 85 into engagement with the contact formed on the lamp base 82. The lamp 8| herein shown, is of the single pole type, and is grounded through the bracket 26 to the mounting 59. The other end of the tubular body 83 is provided with a circular ange 81, which abuts an angular part 88 formed on the rear portion of the bracket 26, as viewed in Figures 1 and 2. The part 88 is provided with an aperture 89 of a size smaller than the flange 81, and the ange 81 is provided with a plurality of spring arms which catch behind the margin of the aperture 89, and yieldably hold the socket means assembled with the angular part 88. 'I'he part 88 is also provided with fingers 9|, here shown to be three in number, these ngers being bent over the circular ange 19 formed on the hood 11, to hold the hood 11 assembled with the angular part 88.

From the foregoing it will be obvious that the electric lamp construction 16 is xedly secured to the bracket member 26, and that the actuator 63 is axially in line with the electric lamp construction, and is movable with respect to this lamp construction. Movement of the actuator 63 to the left from the position shown in Figures 1 and 2, moves the plate 41 and causes rotatable movement of the bridge carrier 34, so that the bridge 39 may assume Various relations with the contact members I9. Also, it will be apparent that the electric lamp 8| is substantially entirely covered, regardless of the position of the actuator 63, so that illumination from this lamp will pass through the tubular actuator 63 and illuminate the transparent member 12. This transparent member 12 may be provided with any suitable indicia desired. In some instances, it has been found desirable to highly polish the interior surface of the tube 63, to effect transmission of light by reflection. The knob 68, if desired, may be formed of transparent or translucent material, so that light conducted through the tube 63 will cause illumination of the knob, at least to a certain degree. Additionally, the disc 12 may be so constructed and arranged to reect the light passing through the tube 63 toward the side walls of the knob 68, as, for instance, by providing that portion of the disc 12 which communicates with the knob recess 1| with a refleeting surface.

Referring to Figures 8 through 10, the various switching positions are diagrammatically disclosed. For purposes of identification, the center contact member is designated as |9a, and three off-center contact members |9b, |9c, and |9d are provided. The Contact member I9b may be connected to a source of electrical current, such as one end of a battery 92, the other end of the battery being grounded as shown. The electric lamp 8| may be connected to the contact I9d, and grounded in a manner hereinbefore mentioned. The contact members |9a and |9c may be connected to any suitable means which are to be controlled, such as the lights of an automotive vehicle.

In the position of parts diagrammatically shown in Figure 8, the bridge 39 is clear of engagement with the contact members |9b, |9c,

vand |9d, and obviously no electrical connection is made through the contact member |9a. Also, in this position, the dome-shaped terminal parts 23 of the contact members engage the plane surface of the bridge carrier 34.

Referring to Figure 9, the bridge 39'has been 'moved counter-clockwise from the positionshown `bridge 39 to the contact members I9a and |90.

It will also be noted that the contact members I9b and |90 have their dome-shaped terminal parts 23 respectively seated within the recesses formed by the depressions 46 and 45. Figure 9',

in 4the particular switch illustrated, represents the intermediate switching position, and the bridge 39 may be moved either in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner from this position, depending upon the circuit to be controlled, and movement in either manner would cause a cam action between the terminal parts 23 of the contact members ISD and 19C and the surfaces of the respective depressions 45 and 46, so as to move the contact members |911 and ISC against the urging force of the springs 24.

If `the bridge 39 is moved in a counter-clockwise manner, the plane surface of the radial arm 42 will engage the contact member |91), and the plane surface of the radial arm 40 will engage the contact member Icl, the radial arm 4l being out of engagement with the contact member |90. In this position current may flow from the battery 92 to the contact member ISb, through the bridge means to the contact members I9a and 19d, and the electric lamp 8l disposed in the electric lamp construction T6 will be illuminated.

It willfbe therefore apparent that means are provided to indicate when a predetermined position of the switch has been effected, and it will also be apparent that these indicating means may be of another nature, such as a signalling device or an electro-responsive device other than Vthat herein shown., Also, because the terminal parts 23 of the contact members I9b and I9c seat within the recesses formed by the depressions 45 and 45, a greater force is required to move the switching elements from the position shown in Figure 9, than is required to move the switching elements from the positions shown in Figures 8 and 10.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art `that I have accomplished at least the principal object of my invention, and at the same time rit will be obvious that the embodiment of my invention herein disclosed and described embodies advantages other than those particularly pointed out or suggested herein, and that it may be variously changed and modied without departing from the spirit of my invention or sacricing the advantages thereof; accordingly it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the disclosure herein is illustrative only and that my invention is not limited thereto.

I claim:

l. An electric switch, comprising in combination: a panel supporting said switch; tubular actuator means, supported for movement with respect to said switch, and having connection with the switching elements of said switch; and an electric lamp construction, mounted against movement with respect to said switch with its filament in line with the axis of said actuator, and comprising a hood over the electric lamp, said hood being disposed entirely apart from said panel and having an opening for slidably receiving one end of said tubular actuator means.

`2. An electric switch, comprising `in combination: a panel supporting said switch; tubular actuator means, supported .for movement with respect to said switch, and having connection with the switching elements of said switch; `and lan electric lamp construction, mounted against movement with respect to said switch with its filament Yin line with the axis of said actuator, and comprising a hood over the electric lamp, said hood being disposed entirely apart from said panel andhaving a tubular portion constructed and arranged to have telescopic relation with an adjacent lpart of said tubular actuator means.

3. `An electric switch, comprising Vin combination: 'a Vpanel supporting said switch; tubular actuator means, supported for movement with respect to said switch, and having connection with the :switching elements of said switch; and an electric 'lamp construction, mounted against movement with respect `to said switch with its filament in line with the axis vof said actuator, and comprising a hood over the electric lamp, said hood being disposed entirely apart from said panel and having an opening for slidably receiving one end of said tubular actuator means, and being constructed and arranged to direct substantially all of the light from the electric lamp through said tubular actuator means.

4. An electric switch, comprising: a generally cup-shaped casing, having an aperture in its closure wall; a contact carrier closing the open side of said casing, vand being xedly secured to said casing; bridge means having a stud axially arranged in said casing and vjournalled in said casing aperture, and being so mounted for rotation 'with respect to said contact carrier; said bridge means also Vhaving a second stud extending in parallel relation to said rst stud; and reciprocally mounted means for causing rotation of said bridge means, comprising a portion extending across said bridge means and normally engageable with and movable relative to said rst stud, said Vportion also having a connection with said second stud of said bridge means at a point spaced from said first stud.

5. In combination: an electric switch, comprising a housing; relatively rotatable elements mounted in said housing; a bracket, supporting said switch, and being adapted for securement to a mounting; an electric lamp construction arranged exteriorly of said switch housing and carried by said bracket; and tubular actuator means, mounted for rectilinear reciprocatory movement with respect to said bracket and said electric lamp construction, and connected to said switch so that movement of said Aactuator means eil'ects rotation of said relatively rotatable elements, said tubular actuator means having also a connection with said electric lamp construction so constructed and arranged that the interior of said tubular actuating means is at all times in communication with the lamp of said electric lamp construction, regardless of the position of said tubular actuating means.

k6. `In combination: an electric switch, comprising a housing; relatively rotatable elements mounted in said housing; a bracket, supporting said switch, and being adapted lfor securement to a mounting; socket means, for an electric lamp arranged exteriorly of said switch housing; hood means, generally enclosing the electric lamp, and carried bysaid bracket; tubular actuator means, mounted for rectilinear reciprocatory movement with respect `to said bracket and said hood means, and connected tofsaid switch so that movement of said actuator means eiects rotation of said relatively rotatable elements, one end of said tubular actuator means having a telescoping connection with said hood means, so `that the interior of said tubular actuating means is at all times in communication with the interior of said hood means, regardless of the position ofy said tubular actuator means; and knob means at the opposite end of said tubular actuator means, having an opening communicating vwith the interior of said actuator means.

7. In combination: anelectric switch, comprising a housing; relatively rotatable elements mounted in said housing; a bracket, supporting said switch, and being adapted for securement to a mounting; socket means, for an electric lamp arranged exteriorly of said switch housing; hood means, generally enclosing the electric lamp, and carried by said bracket; tubular actuator means, lmounted for rectilinear reciprocatory movement with respect to said bracket and said hood means, and connected to said switch so that movement of said actuator means effects rotation of said relatively rotatable elements, one end of said tubular actuator means having a telescoping connection with said hood means, so that the interior of said tubular actuating means is at all times in communication with the interior of said hood means, regardless of the position of said tubular actuator means; knob means at the opposite end of said tubular actuator means, having an opening, one end of which communicates with the interior of said actuatoi` means; and transparent indicia-carrying means, spanning the other end of said knob opening.

8. In combination: an electric switch, comprising a housing;v relatively rotatable elements mounted in said housing; a bracket, supporting said switch, and being adapted for securement to a mounting; socket means, for an electric lamp arranged exteriorly of said switch housing; hood means, xedly carried by said bracket; electriclamp socket means, detachably carried by said hood means, the electric lamp being generally enclosed within said hoo-d means, when said socket means is attached to said hood means; tubular actuatormeans, mounted for rectilinear reciprocatory movement with respect to said bracket and said hood means, and connected to said switch so that movement of said actuator means effects rotation of said relatively rotatable elements, said tubular actuator means having also a connection with said hood means, so constructed and arranged that the interior of said tubular actuating means is at all times in communication with the interior of said hood means, regardless of the position of said tubular actuator means.

9. In combination: -an electric switch, comprising relatively rotatable elements; a bracket, supporting said switch, and being adapted for securement to a mounting, said bracket having an angularly bent portion; an electric lamp construction, carriedby said angularly bent portion, and at least partly overlying said switch; and tubular actuator means, mounted for rectilinear reciprocatory movement with respect to said bracket, and connected to said switch so that movement of said actuator means effects rotation of said relatively rotatable elements, said tubular actuator means generally overlying said switch, and having also a connection with said electric lamp construction so constructed and arranged that the interior of said tubular actuatingmeans is at all times in communication with the lamp of said electric lamp construction,- regardless of the position of said tubular actu- -ating means.

10. In combination: an electricswitch, comprising relatively rotatable elements; pivot means, providing for rotation of said relatively rotatable elements; an electric lampv construction, so mounted as to be held against movement with respect to s-aid switch; and movable actuating means, having a portion connected to said switch so that movement of said actuating means eiects rotation of said relatively rotatable elements, said portion slidably engaging said pivot means, holding said actuating means to rectilinear reciprocatory movement, said actuating means having also a tubular portion, so connected with said electric lamp construction that the interior of said tubular portion is at all times in communication with the lamp of said electric lamp construction, regardless of the position of said actuating means.

11. In combination: an electric switch, comprising relatively rotatable elements; pivot means, providing for rotation of said relatively rotatable elements; socket means, for an electric lamp; hood means, generally enclosing the electric lamp, and being so mounted as to be held against movement with respect to said switch; and movable actuating means, having a portion connected to said switch so that movement of said actuating means effects rotationof said re1- atively rotatable elements, said portion slidably engaging said pivot means, holding said actuating means to rectilinear reciprocatory movement, said actuating means having also a tubul-ar portion telescopically engaging with said hood means, so that the interior of said tubular portion is at all times in communication with the interior of said hood means, regardless of the position of said actuating means.

12. In combination: an electric switch, comprising a casing, a Contact carrier fixed to said casing, and bridge means having a stud journalled on said casing so that said bridge means is rotatable with respect to said contact carrier; bracket means, xedly carrying said casing, and being adapted for securement to a mounting; hood means, ixedly carried by said bracket means; electric-lamp socket means carried by said hood means so that the electric lamp is generally enclosed by said hood means; and movable actuating means, having a portion connected to said bridge means so that movement of said actuating means effects rotation of said bridge means, said portion having an elongated slot, the longitudinal margins of which slidably engage said stud, holding said actuating means to rectilinear reciprocatory movement, and the transverse margins of said slot engage said stud to limit reciprocatory movement of said actuating means, said actuating means having also a tubular portion so connected with said hood means that the interior of said tubular portion is at all times in communication with the interior of said hood means, regardless of the position of said actuating means.

13. An electric switch including, a housing, mechanism and tubular means for operating same, means connected to and extending from said housing, said tubular means arranged exteriorly of said extending means, indicating means carried by said extending means and located exteriorly and apart from said housing and said tubular means, and means providing a cover enclosing said indicating means and a part of said tubular means whereby it is substantially impossible to see said indicating means except through said tubular operating means.

14. An electric switch including, a bracket therefor having substantially parallel Walls, a switching mechanism disposed between said Walls and having a part extending substantially parallel to said walls, a tubular actuator slidably carried by. one wall and connected to said part for operating said switching mechanism, indicating means carried by the other wall, and means associated with said indicating means for directing a message therefrom through said tubular actuator.

HARRY A. DOUGLAS. 

